Death of Concord High student inspiring outpouring of community support

By Rick Hurd

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
12/19/2012 02:48:32 PM PST

Updated:
12/19/2012 04:55:23 PM PST

CONCORD -- The death of a popular Concord High football player in a shooting in San Francisco on Saturday has produced an outpouring of support from the community, the school's varsity football coach said Wednesday.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday to honor the memory of Montreal Blakely, 17, who was slain while walking on Osceola Lane in San Francisco's Bayview District about 10 p.m. Saturday.

The team also will be selling Christmas ornaments decorated with the Blakely's No. 9 two hours before the vigil in the school's main gym. People wanting to make general donations are asked to leave a check at the school's main office or visit chsminutemenfootball.com and click on the "donate" link.

"We would like the thank you all for the outpouring of love and support since we learned of Montreal's passing," coach Brian Hamilton wrote in an open letter to parents and other members of the team's football community. "... I am humbled by the selflessness you all have already demonstrated."

Friday's vigil will be held at the Concord High football field, 4200 Concord Blvd.

San Francisco police on Wednesday said they had no updates on the shooting, which remains under investigation.